Effects of Social Learning in Adoption of Aflatoxin Reduction Interventions

Abstract

The adoption of Aflatoxin Reduction Interventions (ARIs) is facing a new challenge when being adopted in Africa than in other continents, worldwide. There is a growing consensus that modern Aflatoxin Reduction Interventions (ARIs) in Africa, more particularly Kenya has faced socio- economic and cultural challenges. Adoption of Aflatoxin Reduction Interventions (ARIs) is a social, cultural and economic challenge and there is a socio-economic need towards solving the aflatoxin problem. In Kenya, Makueni County, small holder farmers struggle to pursue solution for a contamination that has no ‘cure.’ The broad objective of the study was to identify and evaluate how social networks determine farmer’s choice in adoption or rejection of Aflatoxin Reduction Interventions in Makueni County. It was guided by the assumption that social networks would be the source of interactive and adaptive learning where knowledge, ideas, trust and collective action facilitates adoption of Aflatoxin Reduction Interventions. The specific objectives of the study were to: analyze how social networks manifest among small holder farmers in Makueni County; analyze how small holder farmers adopt Aflatoxin Reduction Interventions in Makueni County and examine the influence of social networks in small holder farmers’ capacity through accessibility and utilization of Aflatoxin Reduction Interventions. Data was obtained from field survey in Mukuyuni sub-location. The study employed semi-structured questionnaire in a stratified sample of 100 small holder farmers. Stratified sampling was employed in identifying 8 starting points for the villages in a population of 8,500 within Mukuyuni sub-location. This was complimented with 2 key informants and 2 focus group discussions. In analysis, frequency and cross tabulation statistics was calculated using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). In addition, thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data through allocating themes in Microsoft excel (Ms- Excel). According to analysis, social networks are sources of social learning. They manifest in formal, personal and close social ties. Farmers in these networks are able to share ideas and knowledge more efficiently as well as rationalize them according to their own experiences. Traditional aflatoxin reduction interventions are adopted more than the modern interventions. Traditional ARIs are good agricultural practices but do not directly control of aflatoxin despite their use. ix Low adoption of modern interventions is brought about by high level of uncertainty, cost in accessing and applying the intervention and lack of knowledge in facts about the aflatoxin problem and how to apply modern aflatoxin reduction intervention. Social networks do influence small holder farmers’ capacity to adopt through increased knowledge about the use and effects of Aflatoxin Reduction Interventions; transfer of interactive and adaptive knowledge about aflatoxin and ARIs in a household even where there is incomplete information. There is a need of new aflatoxin reduction interventions that are preventive and promote an integrated approach. Given the findings of the study, the study recommends: a policy reform on food safety; capacity building that promotes interactive and adaptive learning and partnership in the promotion of aflatoxin reduction interventions.